'Fans of Steel' back Daytona Rising

DAYTONA BEACH — As the rain moved in and failed to dampen the mood, it became obvious what track officials meant when they recently talked about “emotionally connected” fans and the desire to grow that population.

Twenty fans — and their guests — put their stamp on Daytona International Speedway's reconstruction project Wednesday, including Ted Reiter, 78, of Ocala.

They were dubbed “Fans of Steel,” and one of the final acts of their day at the track involved signing their names to a steel beam that will soon become part of the massive and ongoing project known as Daytona Rising. Even those from as far away as Colorado and Ohio came at their own expense, and acted as if there was never a possibility they'd pass up the invitation.

“Absolutely none,” said Reiter, who has attended every Daytona 500 since Marvin Panch's 1961 victory.

Reiter, who moved to Ocala in December 1960 and who also has a place in Canton, NC, was at the event with his son Ernie Reiter. Ted said he used to have 12 seats for the 500 and still has 10.

Even as a mid-day drizzle threatened the itinerary, Ted's mood didn't sag.

“It has exceeded my expectations,” he said.

The event was the latest public-relations effort for the Speedway to hype a $400 million renovation — due for completion in January 2016 — that is literally and figuratively designed to elevate stock-car racing's biggest stage to the level of other modern big-league stadiums. Since the project is ultimately designed to lure and retain fans, the inclusion of a small slice of passionate (“emotionally connected”) fans was a natural.

“We can't think of a better way to celebrate their participation in our sport,” Speedway president Joie Chitwood III said. “I got a chance to talk to them earlier today, and to a person, they were over the top, enjoying the heck out of it.”

The 20 fans and guests were treated to lunch and a construction overview from Chitwood, as well as a tour of part of the construction work. Near the end of their visit, they all signed their names to a section of steel beam that will soon be lifted into place and become part of the new structure — “It'll probably be installed in the next day or two,” Chitwood said.

But, as often happens, the highlight for most were “hot laps” around the 2.5-mile speedway at roughly 130 mph.

“I thought it was a little scary; I closed my eyes for most of it,” said Barbara Dugan, who was joined for the two laps, and for the entire day, by her husband, Pat.

The Dugans only had to come from Port Orange, but they did have to work it into whatever other plans they had for Wednesday, which happened to be their 32nd wedding anniversary.

The Reiters also went for a spin, with Ted in the front passenger seat and Ernie in a backseat.

“First time doing that,” Ted said.

He said he wife Elizabeth got the original call from the speedway and knew he would be attending.

“She's always kidding me, she says, 'You'll be going to the Daytona 500 if they have to take you in on a stretcher,'” he said.